Iowa Rep. Martin Graber dies of heart attack at 72

He is survived by his wife, Coni, two daughters and two grandchildren.

“Our caucus is devastated by the unexpected passing of our friend and colleague Martin Graber,” House Speaker Pat Grassley said in a statement released Friday afternoon. “First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt prayers to his entire family during this difficult time.“

Graber was reelected in November to a third term in the Iowa House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2020.

He served 32 years in the Iowa National Guard and retired as a brigadier general. Graber also worked as a financial adviser and human resources manager. He served as a past chair of the Lee County Republican Party and was an active member, elder and Sunday school teacher at the Fort Madison Christian Church, according to a legislative biography.

He graduated from Central Lee High School, received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and an MBA from St. Ambrose University in Davenport.

“Martin’s legacy will be one of kindness, hard work, and service,” Grassley said. “His presence in the Capitol will surely be missed. He was a friend to all. His genuine care for everyone he encountered was clear wherever he went. He was an exceptional representative. He worked diligently and took his role as the voice of House District 100 very seriously. As we grieve this loss, we pray for his soul, that he finds peace and eternal comfort with God.”

Gov. Kim Reynolds, in a statement, said she and her husband, Kevin, “are heartbroken at the loss of our friend and colleague.”

“He served with distinction not only as a representative for his constituents in the Iowa House, but also as a career soldier in the Iowa National Guard,“ Reynolds said. ”… He was passionate about his community, his family, and his faith. Martin was the best of us, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife of 49 years, Coni, his daughters, and his grandchildren.”

Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann said Graber’s contributions to Iowa and the Republican Party “are unmatched.”

“He exemplified everything that was good and noble about a citizen legislator in our beloved state,” Kaufmann said in a statement. “Martin Graber was a patriot both in his uniform and in his role as a representative of the people. He was a friend and confidante, but more importantly, he was a tireless advocate for his constituents in southeast Iowa.”

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said Graber “was a kind man with a heart of gold, strong faith, and a great sense of humor.”

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said Graber “took deep pride in serving his community, state, and nation.”

“In his years of service in the Iowa National Guard and the Iowa Legislature, Iowans could count on him to be a man of integrity,” Naig said in a statement. “Whether it was attending the Tri-State Rodeo like we did last summer or visiting a small business in his district, I always enjoyed spending time with him. My heart goes out to Coni, his beloved wife, and the entire Graber family, as well as his many friends and constituents. We will miss him and the significant impact he made on so many.”